It’s official, Google Fiber is coming to metro Atlanta. Google will be working closely with Decatur and other local city leaders on the next steps to build a brand new fiber-optic network capable of delivering gigabit speeds.

“We are here because of the hard work, passion and commitment of the city and its leaders,” said Kevin Lo, Director of Business Operations for Google Fiber. “The next chapter of the Internet will be written at gigabit speeds.”

Google Fiber is an Internet and TV service that provides Internet speeds up to one gigabit per second, along with hundreds of HD TV channels. Google Fiber is currently available in Kansas City, Provo, Utah and Austin, Texas.

“The City of Decatur is thrilled to be one of the metro Atlanta cities that will get connected to Google Fiber,” said Mayor Jim Baskett. “We are a community of homes, schools and places of worship. And we know that Google Fiber’s incredibly fast internet will benefit our community greatly. The entire city looks forward to partnering with Google to make the process of installing Google Fiber as easy and seamless as possible.”

The next stage of work includes designing and planning a new fiber-optic network down to a very detailed level. After this process, which will take several months, Google Fiber will begin constructing the network.

For more information about this announcement, visit the Google Fiber blog. You can also sign up here and be the first to get updates.

CSX is expected to begin maintenance on the Candler Street, McDonough Street and Atlanta Avenue railroad crossings next week (week of January 12th) for railroad tie maintenance. Each intersection will be closed for 2-3 days. Drivers, cyclists and pedestrians will be directed to detours at either the East Lake Drive or Commerce Drive underpasses.

For more information, contact Project Civil Engineer Jennings Bell at 404-370-4104 or CSX Railroad at 877-835-5279.

The Decatur Minute recently provided this update on the streetscape improvements currently underway in the Oakhurst commercial district…

Starting in front of the Solarium, streetscapes contractor CMES, Inc. will begin removal and replacement of the sidewalk along the north side of West Hill Street, then break for the holidays on December 24. Work will resume on January 5.

Sidewalks on West Hill Street will be followed by construction of a small retaining wall and new sidewalks on the east side of Oakview Road. Temporary crosswalks will be placed across West Hill Street and Oakview Road while the new sidewalks are under construction. [Above] is a map showing the first phase of construction around the south and west perimeter of the Old Scottish Rite Hospital property.

Please join us tonight for the annual Decatur Business Association Bonfire and Marshmallow Roast. The event runs 7-8pm and is free to everyone.

We will provide the sticks, marshmallows, and live music! The first group performing will be students from the Community Music Center of Decatur. Following their show will be the Oakhurst Community Choir.

The Decatur Fire Department will be on hand with their big red barrels collecting non-perishable goods and gently used winter coats to share with those in need in our community this holiday season-just drop your donations in the barrel and enjoy the bonfire!

The repaving of Ansley St. started on Monday, and as sometimes happens, an unexpected water leak issue developed. The city is currently working with DeKalb County to replace and upgrade the water system underneath Ansley St. before finishing the repaving process.

The good news is this means once everything is complete Ansley St. will have a new, smooth surface AND an upgraded water system. The only downside is Ansley St. will be torn up for a bit longer than anticipated. Once an updated work schedule is finalized we will share it here on this blog.

Questions? Contact the Design, Environment and Construction Division at 404-370-4104 and ask for John Madajewski.

If you haven’t already, head on over to Open City Hall and see the “key” remaining questions posted by the city that relate to Decatur’s Unified Development Ordinance process. Here’s the overview question…

Should the city eliminate minimum floor area requirements for residences, allow residents to modestly increase floor area maximums, and require posting a demolition permit for 15 days before demolishing a building?

The Decatur Minute also has alerted residents to be on the look out for a new question on Open City Hall about “green building standards” in the coming days. We’ll try to alert you when that’s posted as well.